Schools for South African children
We are relocating from South Africa and I would like to get advice on which schools would be the better option to send my son to.
I'd also like to find out what schools are the popular choice for South African teachers as I have heard that there are a few South African teachers in Doha.
We have two kids at Newton British School and we are very happy. The teaching is solid and all the teachers are British but the registrar is a very nice lady from South Africa.
I also saw on their website; newtoninternationalschool.edu.qa that a new Newton school is opening in the Lagoon area in West Bay. I know that they have a few south African teachers and kinds in the other branches. Good luck.
We have recently moved to Doha from SA and both my girls go to Montessori which is now Doha British School. I dont know how old your son is but we struggled to find place in any school for my 9yr old. The waiting lists here are crazy here for primary school. Maria Wild is the person to contact at the school and calling her is also a good idea. My girls are both happpy there and would love some more South Africans :)
Just remember that you need to get your kids into school first and then try and live as close as you can to the school otherwise you will spend your life in your car!!! So check if the company prefers certain compounds or if you can have your free choice regarding accomodation ......
The schools mentioned above are all good and have South African kids in them. Depending on your company - you can also add Compass International School on to your list. Good luck!!
There are many SA teachers in Doha, but they are spread out over many schools. You didn't mention your son's age. DESS is only a primary school. One other school which hasn't been mentioned yet is Parkhouse. Many SA students go there - it is both primary and secondary.
Best of luck!
Park House School Addmission lady is a SAFFA and she always give preference to SAFFA's. Try your luck there!
There are a number of SA children at DESS, which is the British Embassy sponsored school. DESS preferences kids with British passports.
Doha College is also worth a look.
Both Doha College and DESS follow the English national curriculum and so they hire teachers with UK qualifications.
Thanks so much, will go to FB now and do so! Incidentally, I have applied to the Montessori school, but not have any feedback from them.
I know Doha British Montessori has SA teachers and students. Ask on the "SASCOM" or "SA ladies in Qatar" groups on Facebook.